2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2026 Acura RDX

$32,095 · SUV

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Facing the choice between rugged capability and refined practicality often leaves buyers scratching their heads. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler, starting at an accessible $32,095, leans heavily into its off-road DNA, offering 285 hp and a standard 6-speed manual transmission, perfect for hands-on drivers. However, living with the Wrangler means accepting 19 MPG combined fuel economy. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX sits at a premium MSRP of $45,100, justifying some of that $13,005 difference with superior efficiency, netting 23 MPG combined. While the RDX produces slightly less horsepower at 272 hp, it compensates with 280 lb-ft of torque and significantly more everyday usability, boasting 29.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Wrangler's 12.9 cu ft. Your choice hinges on whether that extra utility and 4 MPG fuel savings are worth the initial higher cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Jeep Wrangler if...

Your budget heavily prioritizes a lower initial purchase price under $33,000.
You actively seek the tactile engagement provided by a 6-speed manual transmission.
Off-road ground clearance and traditional rugged SUV styling are non-negotiable priorities.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You drive extensively on the highway and prioritize that 4 MPG advantage in fuel efficiency.
You require substantial cargo space, needing nearly 30 cubic feet for gear.
You prefer the refinement and ease of use associated with a 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD crossover.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Wrangler	Acura RDX
Length	166.8"	187.4"
Width	73.9"	74.8"
Height	73.6"	65.7"
Wheelbase	96.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6400 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Manual Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/23 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	297.5/402.5 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.5 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Power Steering	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Driver Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Electric Power Steering	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Jeep	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.9 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.0 in.	50.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/75R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Jeep	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Wrangler and 2026 Acura RDX.

Is the fuel difference between these two vehicles significant over a year?

Yes, the 2026 Acura RDX achieves 23 MPG combined while the 2025 Jeep Wrangler gets 19 MPG combined, meaning the RDX will save on fuel costs, especially considering the Wrangler requires regular unleaded.

How much bigger is the cargo area on the RDX?

The RDX offers substantially more storage at 29.5 cu ft, more than double the 12.9 cu ft available in the Jeep Wrangler.

Which vehicle is physically smaller for city parking?

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler is the more compact vehicle, measuring 166.8 inches long and 73.6 inches tall, compared to the RDX's 187.4-inch length and 65.7-inch height.